Community
14 November, 2025
CMA celebrate rural women
MORE than 40 rural women gathered at the to celebrate International Day of Rural Women and explore pathways to leadership in agriculture and natural resource management, including members of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Among the attendees were newly appointed Corangamite CMA Board members Louisa-Jane Cunningham, Angela Higgins and Andrea Montgomery who are all members of the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network.
The event was headlined by an inspiring line-up of speakers who shared their experiences on agricultural boards and in leadership roles, offering practical strategies and encouragement for women aspiring to lead.
Despite women making up approximately 31 per cent of Australia’s agricultural workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership.
Women hold only 19 per cent of board positions and just two per cent of chief executive officer (CEO) or equivalent roles, according to 2024 Workplace Gender Equality Agency data.
“There is so much potential within the agricultural sector for female leaders, and we want to empower women in the Corangamite region with skills, networks and confidence to put themselves forward for boards and leadership positions,” Corangamite CMA sustainable agriculture facilitator and event organiser Karen O’Keefe said.
Facilitated by Southern Rural water director Cath Jenkins, the event featured influential voices including founding member of Australian Women in Agriculture Alana Johnson, Country Fire Authority (CFA) chair Jo Plummer and vice chair of Global Landcare and Community Bank Buninyong board member Andrea Mason.
Key themes of the day included empowering women to lead with purpose, clarify their value proposition, cultivate networks, and apply for positions that align with their values.
The day included an interactive panel discussion and Q and A, networking lunch, and a tour of Barwon Park Mansion.
Guests learnt about the home’s former owner Elizabeth Austin – a pioneering female leader who founded the Austin Hospital, the Austin Homes for Women in south Geelong and numerous charitable institutions.
Formed in 2015, the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network brings together rural women from diverse backgrounds to strengthen networks and build community resilience.
The network is facilitated by Ms O’Keefe – sustainable agriculture facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
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